The Cairo giants went to the lockers room two up, but wasted a host of chances to extend their advantage in the second period.

"The players were overly-confident after scoring two goals in the first-half. Unfortunately, this is one of the Egyptian players' main traits," Helmi told Modern TV.

"If Africa Sports capitalized on Zamalek's wastefulness in the second-half, our task in the return leg would have been difficult.

"Thanks to the efforts of (keeper) Mohamed Abdul-Monsef, who put in an impressive display."

Zamalek will face Africa Sports in Abidjan on the sixth of April.

No Rifts

Helmi played down the importance of expelling Beshir Al-Tabie and Shikabala from the match's squad for disciplinary reasons.

The regular duo was punished after disobeying the technical staff instructions in training.

"It was a minor incident and they were penalized. The matter is over now, both players will return to training immediately."